Peristaltic pumps have no valves, seals or glands, and the fluid contacts only the bore of the hose or tube. Simple to install, easy to use and quick to maintain, they are the hot new technology and the world's fastest growing pump type.

There is no contamination of the pump or the fluid

Ideal for slurries, viscous, shear-sensitive and aggressive fluids

No backflow, no siphoning

Wide range of tubes includes industrial, food-grade and medical

Progressive cavity pumps cannot run dry, for more than a few seconds. They can self prime but if the fluid takes time to get to the pump then the rotor/stator must either be manually lubricated or the pump needs charging with duty fluid. More

Lobe pumps are not good for metering duties because fluid slips between the lobes and the case. Watson-Marlow peristaltic pumps have a true positive displacement action – fluid is pushed in front of a tube pinched closed. More

Piston pumps rely on ball valves, which must be protected with strainers and yet more valves: back-pressure valves, for example. Foot valves are needed to maintain prime. Valves are prone to clogging and breakdown. More

Air-operated diaphragm pumps require a compressed air supply to drive them. If this does not already exist it can be very expensive to install. Even the best-maintained air supply systems are inefficient with at least 30% air leakage. More